This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV have filed 29 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
29
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Bolt EV | 75 |
| 2020 Bolt EV | 86 |
| 2021 Bolt EV (this page) | 29 |
| 2022 Bolt EV | 26 |
| 2023 Bolt EV | 13 |
When does it fail?
Of the 29 electrical complaints filed for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 44% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 29 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This engineering information (EI) will assist GM to recover a small number of electric vehicle battery packs from customer-owned vehicles in the field for further engineering study and analysis.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides dealers with Warranty Administration information on North American Charging Standard (NACS) DC Adapter Warranty Claim Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated in Driver Information Center (DIC), a Reduced Propulsion message, and charging limited to 30% State of Charge (SOC).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2021 Bolt EV has a widespread high-voltage battery defect traced to LG-manufactured lithium-ion cells prone to fire when charged above 80% state-of-charge (SOC). GM initiated recall N212345940 in September 2021, requiring owners to limit charging to 90% and park outside—a temporary fix while promising battery module replacement. As of June 2023, with parts still unavailable 22 months later, GM substituted a diagnostic-software remedy (N212345944) that further restricts charge to 80% SOC for 6,200 miles. Owners report this addresses a symptom, not the root hazard, and that the revised recall has been marked "complete" despite no physical battery repair ever performed.
The charge restrictions have gutted usable range from the advertised 259 miles to roughly 155–180 miles, rendering the vehicle impractical for daily commutes. Owners also report recurring propulsion and battery warning lights that dealers repair temporarily but never resolve, sudden loss of propulsion on freeways, one Forward Collision Avoidance system failure at low speed, and intermittent infotainment glitches. GM offered buyback on a case-by-case basis and promised rental reimbursement contingent on receipts, but with no timeline—owners cite six-month delays for first-month reimbursement. Many remain stranded: too far along to cancel purchase, unable to afford out-of-pocket rental costs, and facing an unsafe or useless vehicle with no clear end date.
Same Chevrolet Bolt EV electrical reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
High-voltage battery fire risk (LG battery defect)
Lithium-ion battery cells manufactured by LG capable of catching fire when charged to full capacity. Initially addressed through mandatory charge-limit reduction (90% SOC, later 80% SOC) pending battery replacement. GM issued two successive recalls as substitute remedies: first to replace defective modules, then to deploy diagnostic software to identify at-risk cells. Owners report the software solution does not address the underlying fire hazard, particularly at full charge.
When: Identified September 2021 via recall notification N212345940; issue ongoing through 2023-2024
Symptoms owners cite: No warning light or visible symptom before recall notification; Fire risk when battery charged to full capacity; Potential fire risk when battery deeply discharged
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V650000 (Electrical System), Manufacturer Recall N212345940, Manufacturer Recall N212345944
Repairs/costs cited: Original remedy promised: replacement of defective lithium-ion battery modules with new modules. Delayed remedy (June 2023): diagnostic software to monitor battery performance over 6,200 miles; further restricts charge to 80% SOC. Owners report no actual battery module replacement performed under revised recall; many still awaiting parts 22+ months after initial notification.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N212345940 (Sept 2021): Advised owners to limit charge to 90% SOC, charge frequently, avoid depleting below ~70 miles range, park outside after charging. Recall N212345944 (June 2023): Replaced module-replacement remedy with diagnostic software limiting charge to 80% SOC for 6,200 miles. GM offered buyback program on case-by-case basis. GM provided rental reimbursement (with receipts) but no commitment on reimbursement timeline; owners report 6-month delays for first-month reimbursement.
Range reduction from charge-level restrictions
Mandatory charge-capacity limitations (90% then 80% SOC) imposed under recalls reduce effective driving range by 15–40% from the rated 259-mile EPA estimate at purchase. Owners report this renders the vehicle unsuitable for daily commutes and long-distance travel as marketed.
When: September 2021 onwards; ongoing as of 2024
Symptoms owners cite: Usable range dropped from ~259 miles to ~155–180 miles; Inability to meet commute demands without frequent charging stops; Cannot charge overnight to full capacity per recall restrictions
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V650000
Repairs/costs cited: No parts needed; software/owner-controlled settings only. Owners manage charge limiting via Hilltop Reserve mode (2017–2018) or Target Charge Level setting (2019–2022). Some owners report dealer assistance required to apply settings.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N212345940 mandated 90% charge limit; later revised to 80% under N212345944. No compensation offered for loss of capacity. Owners requested reimbursement for vehicle rental until range restoration; GM offered rental cost reimbursement contingent on receipts and buyback approval, but no timeline provided.
Delayed recall parts availability
Replacement battery modules promised under recall N212345940 have not been supplied within reasonable timeframe. Multiple owners report waiting 18–22+ months after recall notification with no parts available. GM transitioned to diagnostic-software remedy (N212345944) in June 2023 without supplying original replacement modules, effectively abandoning the initial repair promise.
When: Recall issued September 2021; parts unavailable through June 2023 and beyond; multiple reports through 2024
Symptoms owners cite: No physical symptoms; administrative delay; Repeated dealer and GM contact yields 'parts not yet available'; VIN tool confirms parts still unavailable for many vehicles
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V650000, Manufacturer Recall N212345940
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement lithium-ion battery modules promised but never supplied. Dealers unable to schedule repairs due to parts shortage. GM Chevy EV Concierge (833-382-4389) cited 'batch processing' with no delivery estimate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Initial recall (N212345940) promised module replacement 'when parts are available'; owners instructed to apply software-based charge limits pending parts arrival. Second recall (N212345944, June 2023) substituted diagnostic software and marked first recall 'completed' despite no parts ever being delivered. No apology or compensation for delay.
Recurrent high-voltage battery/propulsion warning lights
Warning indicators (battery low, reduced propulsion power, emergency power failure) appear multiple times and recur after dealer repairs. Dealers perform temporary fixes but root cause unresolved. Affects vehicle drivability and owner confidence in safety.
When: First repair April 2025, second December 2025, third scheduled March 2026; also reported at 20,000 miles in separate case
Symptoms owners cite: 'Reduced Propulsion Power' warning light and chime; 'Emergency Power Failure, Seek Service Immediately' message; Battery/power warning light recurring after repair; Limited vehicle propulsion capability
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V650000 (Electrical System)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers repair temporarily but do not resolve underlying problem; one owner scheduled for third repair attempt with same warning light. One case involved battery disconnect lever failure diagnosed at 2,700 miles; vehicle was repaired and buyback offered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM offered vehicle buyback in one battery-disconnect case. Campaign 21V650000 applied to reduce propulsion cases. No systematic solution identified across complaint sample.
Forward Collision Avoidance system inoperative
Safety system failed to prevent collision when vehicle struck a pole at low speed (15 MPH). No warning light illuminated to alert driver of system malfunction before impact.
When: At approximately 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Forward Collision Avoidance system did not activate; No warning light prior to failure; Vehicle did not stop despite low-speed threat
Codes mentioned: Forward Collision Avoidance malfunction (independent diagnosis)
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed Forward Collision Avoidance inoperability. Owner advised to seek dealer repair; dealer provided no assistance and repair status unknown.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and opened case number. Dealer declined to assist. No recall issued in complaint narratives.
Infotainment system display malfunction while driving
Backup camera display stuck on infotainment screen at freeway speeds, obscuring battery info and temperature gauge. CarPlay disconnected during incident. Problem cleared only after vehicle powered down and sat idle.
When: No mileage reported; intermittent issue
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera displayed while driving at freeway speed; CarPlay disconnected and could not reconnect; Display unresponsive to standard troubleshooting (pressing home button, brief shutdown in drive)
Repairs/costs cited: None performed. Owner reports issue resolved after vehicle sat with infotainment fully powered off. No dealer involvement documented.
12-volt battery warning light and secondary warning lights
12-volt battery warning light and unspecified ion/battery light illuminated. Apple CarPlay connectivity intermittent.
When: No mileage or date specified
Symptoms owners cite: 12-volt battery warning light; Ion/lithium battery warning light; Apple CarPlay breaking/disconnecting
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer declined buyback request.
Sudden loss of propulsion / stalling on freeway
Vehicle lost propulsion and stalled on freeway while operator reported adequate charge. One case involved battery disconnect lever failure; another case driver waited 4 hours for tow truck with no diagnosis provided.
When: One case at 2,700 miles; another September 13 (year not specified)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalled at 55 MPH (one case) and on freeway at unspecified speed (another); 'Emergency Power Failure, Seek Service Immediately' warning appeared in one case; Inability to restart; Charge adequate but suddenly depleted in second case
Codes mentioned: Battery disconnect lever failure (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Case 1: Battery disconnect lever repaired. Case 2: No diagnosis provided in narrative; tow truck response time 4 hours.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Case 1: Manufacturer offered vehicle buyback after disconnect lever repair.
Synthesized from 29 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 12 most recent
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts…
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The…
Not Happy. I bought my Bolt assuming I would get the convivence and range of a fully functional vehicle. The restrictions imposed upon my and my Bolt are unacceptable. I can only charge in my garage unless I go the a pay for power source and wait around. I also prefer charging at overnight, after 2100 hrs, as I feel I am using less valuable energy. My employer has requested I do not park in the…
This is regarding the battery defect. I initially called into GM on August 31, 2021 to start this buyback and have not driven this since. It’s been parked on the street because I have a newborn and a 2 year old. It would be irresponsible of me to drive and charge this car while my children are here. There has been no progress while working with GM. They have ignored me and are unreachable. I…
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded at a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not…
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The warning message " Emergency Power Failure, Seek Service Immediately" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated he was unable to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed…
This vehicle left me on sept 13 in the middle of the freeway bc it lost propulsion. I had plenty of charge and all of a sudden my charge was gone. The car wouldn’t speed up. Had to pull over and wait 4 hours for tow truck.
Vehicle is under recall. GM has gone beyond what would be considered a reasonable time resolve the issue. The vehicle remains a danger and the suggested restrictions by GM are impossible to follow and still use the vehicle as intended. GM is considering a buy back of the vehicle on a case by case basis. GM should honor all requests for a buy back of the vehicle since they are unable to render…
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had a exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact contacted the dealer and the dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available.…
GM has rendered my vehicle useless. I drive hundreds of miles a day. I bought the 2021 Bolt in July with an estimated 259 mile range which was fine. That has now been slashed by 40% which isn’t adequate and is NOT the car I purchased. And parking it outside full time will likely result in rodent damage as they apparently like the soy plastic wrapping on the wires. Lastly, the GM Spokesman on…
Had electrical trouble with your 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 29 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 29 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 9,233 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Chevrolet/Bolt EV.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.